Working Group on the Regulation of New Reactors (WGRNR)

Mandate

The Working Group on Regulation of New Reactors (WGRNR) shall be responsible for the programme of work in the CNRA dealing with regulatory activities in the primary program areas of siting, licensing and oversight for new commercial nuclear power reactors (Generation III+ and Generation IV reactors). The working group shall constitute an international forum for exchanging information and experience and with the agreement of CNRA and will plan its work to ensure improvements in nuclear safety through more effective and efficient regulation. In order to accomplish this prime objective the working group shall:

constitute a forum of experts for the licensing of new commercial nuclear power reactors and should facilitate a cooperative approach to identify key new regulatory issues and promote a common resolution.

co-ordinate its work with the work performed by the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP) such that: it utilises its outputs and does not duplicate its efforts; extends the results of MDEP to other CNRA members and plans for the transition of MDEP into CNRA.

ensure that construction inspection issues and construction experience is shared through existing CNRA working groups or new working groups as appropriate.

plan for the transition of new reactors into the operational phase and established CNRA programs.

identify support needed from CSNI

Methods of Working

Report to the Committee on Nuclear Regulatory Activities (CNRA) and assist that Committee with its work. The programme of work of WGRNR will be approved by CNRA.

Closely co-ordinate its work with the Working Group on Inspection Practices and the Working Group on Operating Experience such that each of the respective groups use the expertise of the individual groups and do not duplicate efforts.

Provide and receive regular reports to and from the Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI), from which the CSNI may consider initiating specific tasks in existing working groups, establish new research programmes or provide input on the current state-of-the-art. The Working Group shall collaborate with or assist the CSNI Working Groups and NEA Projects.

Co-ordinate its work with other NEA committees and international organisations (e.g., IAEA, EC, WANO, etc.).